We’re studying 1 Corinthians 15:1-7. Previously, we saw that Paul wanted to remind the Corinthians of the gospel they had received and on which they had taken their stand.
Today, we will see what the gospel should do in our lives, and we’ll also see a specific requirement for us to experience its continuous power.
Please read the passage below and share your thoughts:
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NIV
Question 1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:2 NIV, what is the gospel designed to do in our lives?
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One of the functions of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to save those who believe it. If we examine the Scriptures, we see that believing the gospel saves us from the penalty, power, and presence of sin, from the kingdom of darkness, from a futile and empty life, from selfish living, and from the wrath of God.
Please examine the passages below and note the corresponding truth they teach:
the penalty, power, and presence of sin
a futile and empty way of life
the penalty, power, and presence of sin
the penalty, power, and presence of sin
Considering all that believers are saved from, as described in just these few passages, we can see that God’s salvation is whole and complete. Hebrews 7:25 NIV says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
This passage speaks of an all-encompassing salvation, one that is not limited to saving us from the wages of sin but also includes deliverance from the chains of sin. In other words, we are not only saved eternally but also being saved daily from committing the same sins, again and again, being set free from sin’s dominating power in our lives. All of this is accomplished by Jesus Christ when we believe the gospel and as we mature into the truth of God’s Word.
Question 2. According to 1 Corinthians 15:2 NIV, what is the specific requirement from us, if we want to experience the power of the gospel?
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The necessity for every gospel believer is not only that we "receive the gospel”, and "take a stand" on it, but that we continue to "hold firmly" to it daily. This phrase "hold firmly" could also be translated as "hold fast" or "possess" or to be "bound" to it.
As we continue our study, we will discover the numerous ways we can hold fast to the gospel. Briefly, we "hold fast" to the gospel by seeing it in Scripture, hearing it preached at church, continually believing it, singing it, discussing it with others, praying it back to God, etc.
Jesus Christ was likewise "held fast" to the cross, not by nails from Roman soldiers pounded into His hands and feet, but by His love for you, God's child. Now, in response to His love, you are to hold fast to the gospel.
Tomorrow, we will see the clear and concise definition of the gospel that Paul provides in 1 Corinthians 15:1-7. Having this clear definition of the gospel is imperative if we want to receive, take a stand, and hold fast to the gospel.
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